In the first weekly update on National League balloting for the 2009 All-Star Game, Albert Pujols flexed his muscle with nearly 900,000 votes to lead all contenders. The Brewers, meanwhile, have leaders at two positions, with six others serving as runners-up.

At 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, the nomination period is over. Whoever has been nominated at that point might have the thrill of a lifetime: going to St. Louis on July 14 to be honored on the field at the All-Star Game.

It's early May, All-Star ballots are all over Major League ballparks, and one of the names baseball fans all across America are immediately drawn to can be found smack in the middle of the 16 choices for first base in the National League. Albert Pujols.

It can't be helped: Every year, some surprising players who didn't make the All-Star ballot will have All-Star-caliber seasons. That's why there is a place to write in votes on both the printed and online ballots.